Preparing for an Unrelenting Heatwave

Do you know what a humid 107 degrees feels like? We found out yesterday: it is unbearable. Even people who say they don't believe in global warming (we know....) have been heard cursing climate change. Friends scattered across the nation have been emailing to make sure we're ok down here in Texas, where we've broken 100 degrees (not to mention heat records) almost every day for the last two weeks.

Folks, it's so hot that merely looking outside makes you break into a sweat. And so, the electric companies are asking us to do a few things so that we don't stress the system...

The good news is that those things are green living techniques turned survival tactics.

At the peak of the temperatures (meaning early- to late-afternoon and evening), make sure the thermostat is set at 80 degrees. (Working from home one day this week, we tested this out; if you sit still, it's bearable!)

In a heatwave especially, where you're going to be taxing one major appliance in particular, be sure to unplug everything else that's unnecessary. If you need an extra push to tackle vampire power, this is it.

And of course, use as few electrical devices as possible during these peak hours. Take the time to sit very, very still and read.

Good luck to all of you out there battling hot, humid, inhumane temperatures!